British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has appointed Claire Donovan as its next Executive Chair following a comprehensive recruitment process.
Claire will join the organisation on 1 September 2026, working alongside current Executive Chair Ali Capper during a planned two-month handover before formally taking up the role on 4 November 2026.
The appointment follows an extensive search and selection process involving several high-calibre candidates. The Board unanimously concluded that Claire’s breadth of experience, strategic leadership and deep understanding of the fresh produce sector made her the outstanding candidate to lead BAPL through its next phase of development.
Claire brings extensive experience across the fresh produce supply chain, spanning commercial leadership, technical standards, grower engagement and industry representation. Her experience also extends beyond horticulture into board leadership and public policy. As a Board Director of the Welsh Rugby Union, she has helped steer organisational change in one of Wales’ highest-profile membership organisations, while her work in horticulture has included industry advocacy and contributing to the government working group that led to the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.
Together, these experiences give her a rare combination of commercial, governance, advocacy and leadership skills to champion the interests of British apple and pear growers.
James Simpson, Vice Chair of British Apples & Pears Limited, said: “Following a thorough recruitment process, the Board is delighted to appoint Claire as our next Executive Chair.
“We met some exceptionally strong candidates, but Claire stood out for her breadth of experience, strategic leadership and deep understanding of the British fresh produce sector. Alongside that, she brings outstanding board and governance experience from outside horticulture, where she has helped lead organisational change in a complex membership organisation. That combination of sector knowledge and proven leadership made her the outstanding candidate to lead BAPL.”
“She combines commercial insight with a genuine commitment to British horticulture and has the credibility, relationships and leadership skills to help BAPL continue to champion the interests of British apple and pear growers.
“We are particularly pleased that Claire will join us from September, allowing time for a comprehensive handover with Ali. This planned transition will ensure continuity for our members and stakeholders while giving Claire the opportunity to build relationships across the industry before formally taking up the role.”
Claire Donovan said: “I am delighted to be joining British Apples & Pears at such an important time for the sector.
“British growers produce exceptional apples and pears to some of the highest standards anywhere in the world. They deserve an organisation that is ambitious, influential and relentlessly focused on creating the conditions for a thriving domestic apple and pear industry.
“BAPL has become a respected and influential voice for growers, and I look forward to working with members, the Board, retailers, government and the wider industry to build on that success and help create a positive future for British apples and pears.
“The opportunity to work alongside Ali during the transition is invaluable. She leaves the organisation in a strong position, and I look forward to building on the excellent foundations she and the Board have created.”
Ali Capper said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Executive Chair of British Apples & Pears over the past eight years.
“Together, we have strengthened BAPL’s voice with government, retailers and across the industry, while ensuring growers are at the heart of everything we do.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and I know Claire is an excellent appointment. Her experience, knowledge and leadership qualities make her ideally placed to lead BAPL through its next chapter, and I look forward to working closely with her over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.”
Claire Donovan will formally become Executive Chair on 4 November 2026.